Exploring Mount Samat

For a double birthday celebration, I and my best bud Vino decided to have a historical tour in Bataan. A side trip to Mount Samat for Shrine of Valor in Pilar and a visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac. We left Manila 8 in the morning and arrived 11 at Mount Samat. You have to pay 30 pesos for the entrance fee including the elevator ride to Mount Samat’s cross viewing deck. I believe that getting in Mount Samat is not that easy as it is advisable to bring your own vehicle to reach the steep summit.  Nevertheless, if you’re the adventurous type and loves to walk without worrying the steep slope you can reach the summit for 2 hours or more after riding a trike (100pesos) that will bring you to a certain drop off point.

Long line to the elevator Mount Samat viewing deck

Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

We reached the cross filled with people falling in line for the elevator ride. Luckily we rode the elevator just right in time before lunch break. Elevator ride to the cross closes at 12pm and reopens at 1 in the afternoon. The capacity of the elevator is just for 8 people that will lift you to 30^th floor where the viewing deck is located. You can see here 180 degree view of Bataan province and Manila Bay too. View in here is so relaxing because of lush greenery and cool breeze kissing your skin. We stayed here for just 15 to 30 minutes as guards on duty will take their lunch break.  Unfortunately we have no luck in visiting the museum since it closes at 12 but we’re able to explore the other side where stained glass murals and a historic stage are located.

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan viewing deck

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan viewing deck

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan viewing deck

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat reminds us how our fellow countrymen and even Americans suffered during the World War II battle. We likewise saw the “Death March” marker while on the road that somewhat made us imagine how those heroes walked through their death. You will realize how great having countrymen that shows bravery and heroism for the love of country during the World war II.  Hopefully new generation will visit this Shrine of Valor so they can look back at our history.